US Constitution Unit Study
Ranked #121 in Education, #2,561 overall
Learning about the Constitution
As young future American voters, children need to learn about forms of government, laws, and choices we can make in America. The following is a unit my children and I studied to help them make wise decisions in the coming years.
I hope you have as much fun as we did learning about this important subject! =D
Our Constitution Lapbook
Free Student & Teacher Materials!
- The United States Constitution Lapbook Study Unit
- The materials that my family used is in pdf files located at our homeschool blog ~ Joy Christian School. There are lesson plans, a resource list, notebook pages for notes and copywork, lapbook minit books, charts and outlines, flashcards, pockets, and games (matching, puzzle, a timeline game, and a board game that my children made).
- **The Teaching Home**
- Constitution related newsletters containing units, lesson suggestions, links, and resources:
# 253 - Constitution Week (222, 191, and 131 are very similar)
# 245 - Christian Citizenship
# 236 - President's Day
# 222 - US Constitution
# 203 - President's Day
# 191 - US Constitution
# 131 - The Constitution
#95 - Presidential Election
#70 - Presidential Election (Internet-Based) Unit Study, Part 2
#69 - Presidential Election (Internet-Based) Unit Study, Part 1
#68 - Government, Part 3 - Our Responsibilities in Government
#67 - Government, Part 2 - United States Government
#66 - Government, Part 1
#40 - 4th of July Opportunities - Political Action - The Star Spangled Banner
- Read about its history and find lapbook materials at our blog.
Companion History Lenses
Lessons, lapbook & notebook materials, resources.
Thanks Squidoo for the "Purple Star" Award ~ September 2011
United States Documents
Law Before the Constitution
Our government system in America can be traced back to England in 1215 when King John of England was "encouraged" by force to sign the Magna Carta which entitled jury trials, due process of law, and representation in law making bodies for all English citizens. This led to the formation of English Parliament over the years. The English Petition of Rights (1628) and The English Bill of Rights (1689) were predecessors to the United States Bill of Rights.
What forms of law and government existed in America before the Constitution was written? There were several document which created laws for the colonists ~ The Mayflower Compact, Colonial Charters & Constitutions, The Declaration of Independence, and The Articles of Confederation.
- American Document Mini Books for Lapbook
- ~ American Documents: list names of important ones or write mini summaries of ones you want to study more ~ large file folder pocket to hold mini folders.
~ Declaration of Independence Mini Book and resources to use for reference or review of the Declaration. Lined pages are provided for copywork or notes.
~ Compare & Contrast Venn Graphs to compare document. - The Citizen's Almanac
- This resource by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has information about the Mayflower Compact, The Declaration of Independence, The Articles of Confederation, The Federalist Papers, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and The Emancipation Proclamation, plus patriotic anthems, presidents, famous speeches, citizen rights and responsibilities, and more. (112 pages)
**The URL has changed on this since I first posted it a couple years ago. Apparently it will not link directly to it, so you will need to click on this link which is a search page on USCIS, then click the first "Citizen's Almanac" to go to the document.* - American Document Info
- Historical information on many American documents.
- Document Comparisons
- Use to fill in venn graph.
- Constitution vs. Articles of Confederation
- A comparison chart to study the differences.
Great Kid's Books
We found these at our local library.
The Preamble
We the People ...
Starting this document are these well known words which bring us together as a nation.
"We the people of the United States in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Such thought and care must have been put into each word in forming this new government. The meaning behind them is overwhelming beautiful!
- Preamble Lapbook & Game
- ~ Preamble Poster & Notebook Pages for copying the Preamble, taking notes, or a quiz
~ Preamble Order Game & Pocket: put the phrases and words in the correct order. - Preamble Scramble
- Put the Preamble back together in this interactive online game!
- Pirates of the Preamble Game
- Aye Mateys - answer the questions to find pieces of the preamble treasure, or be thrown into Davy Jones locker!
- Preamble Hand Motions
- Use these hand motions to help you memorize the preamble!
- Preamble Cryptogram
- Use your decoding skills for this one.
Studying the Constitution
There are tons of fabulous resources for your study of the Constitution, government, and civics! Since I have children in elementary, middle, and high school, I tried to find a large range of comprehension levels for them.
- Constitution Lapbook
- ~ Lesson Plans & Resources ~ Lapbook Pieces ~ Constitution Outline contains prompts to fill in with key points ~ Constitution Notebook Pages for notes and copywork ~ Constitution Timeline Poster / Game Board / Quiz - Bible Notebook Page - Vocabulary Flashcards Game
- US Constitution Online for Kids
A great place to start your study of the Constitution is at US Constitution Online for Kids! It is very well researched and easy to maneuver through!
~ Documents: (at the bottom of the page) leads you to copies of the Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, The Articles of Confederation, The Mayflower Compact, State Constitutions, and other documents
~ Teach-It: gives suggestions to incorporate other subject areas as well as comprehension questions and activities. There are sections for K-3, 4-7, and 8-12 to give your students easier understanding at their level
~ Explained: explains the document in simple language for every article, section, and amendment
~ Events Affecting the Constitution: contains debated topics and court cases over the years
~ Not: Sometimes it is helpful to learn what something is if you also know what it is not
~ Timeline: has very specific details
~ Glossary: defines difficult terms in the Constitution
~ News: gives current events about the Constitution
~ Links: take you to interesting places
~ Lists has charts of the Congress , Presidents, Justices, Elections, Votes, States, and Nations
~ Political Systems: defines different types of governments
~ Philosophers: tells about great political thinkers of the ages
~ Bibliography: lists some wonderful books to read
~ Photos: contains pictures of the founders
~ Other helpful sections you will find: ~ Amendments ~ Framers ~ President ~ Cabine" ~ Citizenship ~ Government ~ and More.
- Ben's Guide to US Government
- Wonderful site!! Grade leveled sections that easily describe the government for kids.
- American Government
- Mr. Donn's has so many excellent resources!! Check here to get going on your study ~ Teacher lesson plans and links, kid friendly sites, activities and games, power point presentations, clipart, etc.
- American Heritage Education Foundation
- Awesome materials! Free American History lesson plans for K - 12 that are downloadable or on CD-ROM to order. This link is to the high school page, but you may click onto elementary or middle school resources on the left side. ~ Some of the lessons: Mayflower Compact, The Declaration of Independence, The Federalist Papers, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, Our National Documents, American's Creed.
- Kid's Constitution Unit
- Colorful unit broken into mini lessons & interactive activities.
- Interactive US History Lessons
- Lessons, Activities, Games, & Extension Activities
Topics: Bill of Rights, Constitutional Amendments, Founders of America, Famous Presidents, and Modern Presidents - Constitution Guide
- Click on the articles you want at the top to learn about the meanings of that section.
- Constitution Info
- Introduction; Read the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Amendments; Glossary; Activity Worksheets include:Make a Classroom Constitution or Bill of Rights, 3 Branches of Government Graphic, Cloze Activity, Mini US Constitution Book, Word Piece Puzzle, Spelling Questions, Vocabulary Quizes, ABC Order, Code, Timeline and Quiz, Several Quizes, Research Graphic Organizers
- Constitution Lesson Plans
- From Center for Civic Education - Several downloadable PDF booklets and plans for K-12, audio lessons also.
- Constitution Facts
- Click under 'Fun Zone' for puzzles, quizzes, quotes, treasure hunts, glossary, dates, and where to send for a free copy of the Constitution.
- Democracy & Government
- Lessons from Scholastic
- National Constitution Center
- Cool stuff in Philly! My favorites are the Interactive Constitution Online, the Constitution Timeline, and the teacher lessons plans and student activities.
- National Constitution Center
- Classroom resources page to find the following for educators:
Print Materials (Lesson Plans, Founders Information, and Primary and Secondary Sources)
Online Activities (Seize the Vote, Interactive Constitution, Citizenship Timeline, Lincoln's Crossroads, Bill of Rights Game)
Teaching with Current Events
- The Exchange: A Marketplace of Student Ideas
"The Exchange is the National Constitution Center's nationwide conversation series on current constitutional issues. The Exchange is a public forum in which high school students discover the power of their voices as citizens. It encourages students to apply constitutional values to the most pressing and often divisive issues of the day as they seek common ground. In addition to a live nationwide webcast with high school students from around the country, The Exchange includes a free classroom poster, which contains a lesson designed to promote classroom deliberation. The Exchange shows students how to "do" democracy by deliberating with their peers around the country. It compels them to understand the law, know the facts about the issue being deliberated and to understand, though not necessarily agree with, the perspectives and points of view of others." ~ You may find out more or order a copy at the above link. I received mine early September 2009; it included a poster, lesson plan, 3 student handouts, and a student worksheet. There are 5 topics / lessons that will be discussed during the year.
- United States Constitution: The Great Compromise (Free Unit Study)
- Lesson 1 - Web Quest Introduction
Lesson 2 - Fun & Games with the Constitution
Lesson 3 - Book Report
Lesson 4 - Create a constitution-like document
Lesson 5 - Constitutions of the World: Comparison / Contrast Essay - United States Government
- Nicely written articles about aspects of the government - some include worksheets and ideas.
- Constitution Word Hunt
- Vocabulary worksheet
- Constitution Dictionary
- Find definitions to difficult words here.
- Glossary
- Find Constitution words.
- Vocabulary of the Constitution
- Online Game
- Celebrate Constitution Day
- Resources from the Bill of Rights Institute
- Constitution Day
- Constitution Day Toolkit For Educators
The U.S. Constitution & Fascinating Facts About It
"A Mice Way to Learn"
Legislative Branch
Article I of the Constitution
The Legislative Branch makes the laws.
~ See the 2 L's there? Legislative - Law
See below for two super Schoolhouse Rock vids
"3 Ring Government" and "How a Bill Becomes a Law"!
- Constitution Lapbook
- Mini Books for ~ 3 Branches of Government ~ Checks & Balances ~ Branches of Congres ~ What is a bill? ~ How does a bill become a law?
- 3 Branches of Government
- Online Cloze Activity
- 3 Branches of Government Game
- This one's fun! Attach the leaves containing information on the appropriate branch.
- The Bill Game
- We love games!
- What Makes a Bill?
- Powerpoint Presentation
- How a Bill Becomes a Law
- Lesson
- Kids in the House
If you check out just one of these sites, this is the one to go to! Learn about the Legislative Branch from "Mr. A. Bill" ~ download fun activities (booklets, stickers, coloring pages, mazes, and my favorite "The Capitol Cap"); meet the clerk and congress; journey with Mr. A. Bill to become a law; help Detective Bill do some sleuthing and research about legislation; time warp, take a virtual field trip, and play some games with A. Bill; lesson plans, worksheets, and extra resources are on the site for teachers, too.
Scholastic Books
All the facts in this concise Scholastic series!
Executive Branch
Article II of the Constitution
The President, Vice President, and their advisors enforce the laws.
See above for another Schoolhouse Rock video, "Electoral College".
- Executive Branch Lapbook Pieces
- Mini books ~ President-Enforce Laws ~ Presidential Powers ~ Presidential Cabinet ~ Citizens Hire the President ~ Electoral College ~ Veto!
- The Cabinet
- Cabinet? Who are they and what do they do? And why is it called a 'cabinet' anyway? (I don't know the answer to this one, so if you do, please let me know! You will make two young men very happy!)
- Elections: Your Adventure in Politics
- Game about Elections
- Election Connection Games
- Be the Nominee, The Great Debate, Electoral College Craze, Oh Grow Up!, Who Nose?, Who Said It?
- President for a Day Game
- What would you do if you were the president?
- The Electoral College
- Find out about the Electoral College.
Rock & Learn with Schoolhouse Rock!
Judicial Branch
Article III of the Constitution
The Judicial Branch interprets or explains the laws; they decide if something is constitutional or not. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country. Cases usually start on the local and state level and build their way up if the original rulings are appealed. One chief justice is resides above the eight associate judges who also work on the cases. The judges are chosen by the President, and approved by the Congress. Their appointment is for life.
A Judiciary Branch mini book is in the lapbook pieces file.
- Jury ~ Pick 12
- Online & Print Games
What else does it say?
Articles IV, V, VI, and VII
IV ~ Full Faith & Credit Clause: States work together in accepting one anothers laws.
V ~ Amendments - Changing the Constitution: In order for the Constitution to be changed or amended, 2/3 of the legislature must propose the amendment, and ¾ of the states must ratify or approve it.
VI ~ Supremacy Clause: There is no higher law in the land than the Constitution.
VII ~ Ratification: When the constitution was first introduced to the states in 1787, 9 out of the 13 colonies had to ratify or approve it before it became law.
Living Document: A living document is a document that changes and grows with the nation.
- More Lapbook Pieces
- Mini Books ~ Full Faith & Credit Clause ~ Changing the Constitution ~ Supremacy Clause ~ Ratification ~ Living Document
Barron's Books
The Contitutional Convention & Signers
Who were these men and what did they discuss at this ever so important convention? Research to find out.
- Constitution Lapbook
- Mini Books ~ Constitutional Convention ~ The Federalist Papers ~ The Ratified Constitution ~ Constitution Signers
- Biographies for Kids
- Wonderfully written biographical stories with several print and online activities! ~ James Madison "Father of the Constitution", George Washington "Father of Our Country", Benjamin Franklin
- The Convention
- Events leading to the convention and various plans that were drawn up during this time.
- The Federalists & Anti-Federalists
- The different ideas about forming and running the government.
- Federalists vs. Non-Federalists
- Online Quiz
- Founders Hall
- National Constitution Center Archives
- American Founders
- Thorough biographies for study
- The Framers of the Constitution
- Framers, founders, signers? Biographies with only a few sentences.
- Signers of the Constitution
- Check out the mural and drawing naming the gentlemen with their pictures.
"Founding of the Constitution"
The Bill of Rights & Amendments
The Bill of Rights gives us so many freedoms that we take for granted! I am so grateful for the freedom of religion, press, speech, assembly, petition, and the others that our country has fought hard for!
Special thanks to those who serve our country to bring us these liberties!! :)
The Constitution has been amended or changed a total of 27 times to help the nation grow.
- Constitution Lapbook
- Mni Books ~ Bill of Rights Outline (3 pages) ~ The Bill of Rights Layered Book ~ Amendments to the Constitution
- Bill of Rights Mini Books
- 5 pages of free mini books from the "Yee Shall Know" website.
- Bill of Rights, Constitutional Amendments, Founders of America
- ~ Interactive Lessons, Activities, Games, & Extension Activities~
These 3 wonderful lessons are free, but the site has many more with a subscription. - Bill of Rights
- Bill of Rights Online Matching Game - Fun, fun!
- Bill of Rights
- Activities from Congress for Kids
- Bill of Rights
- Lessons & Links from Mr. Donn
- Bill of Rights
- Word Hunt
- Amendments to the Constitution
- Lessons and resources again from Mr. Donn
Learning Materials
The U.S. Constitution: And Fascinating Facts About It by Terry L. Jordan
Features the entire text of The U.S Constitution, more...1 point
Just The Facts - The United States Bill of Rights and Constitutional Amendments/ The Constitution
Learn the facts about the documents that make America more...1 point
THE CONSTITUTION TEACHING POSTER
These informative posters teach students about the more...1 point
The Constitution of the United States of America, with the Bill of Rights and all of the Amendments;: The Declaration of Independence; and the Articles of Confederation by Thomas Jefferson
Written by Thomas Jefferson and the founding fathe more...0 points
A DVD History of the US Constitution (1619-2005)
It is our nation's most revered document and a cre more...0 points
Lapbook & Notebooking Materials
Mini books, worksheets, flashcards, and more!
- The United States Constitution Lapbook Study Unit
- All of our mini books and resources.
- Constitution Lapbook
- A wonderful lapbook by Homeschool Helper!
- Constitution Lapbook Pictures
- Colorful picutures of a Constitution lapbook
- Constitution Flashcards
- Constitution Players Flashcards & a mini book about the Consitution from Highland Hitchco Homeschool - scroll to the bottom
- James Madison
- Pictures and ideas for Madison books
- Coloring Pages & Document Pictures
- These could be cut out into a fun shape books or cover pages! ~ Independence Hall, We the People, Washington's Chair, Capitol Building, The White House, The Supreme Court ~ Pictures of the real United States Documents to place in your books.
- United States Constitution Unit & Activity Pages
- Also a Benjamin Franklin Unit and others of interest - We like to make these School Express books ½ or ¼ size for a nice addition to a lapbook.
- United States History Foldables
- Great for a lapbook - scroll down to #7 for folds that apply to the Constitution - Pictures, Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, Compare the Articles & the Constitution, Basic Principles, Separation of Powers, Two Political Powers, First 5 Presidents.
- Constitution & Bill of Rights Notebooking Pages
- Made by Jimmie (about 1/3 of the way down the page on the left)
- Constitution Activities
- Shh, We're Writing the Constitution (Jean Fritz) Book Report Form, US Constitution KWL Chart, Preamble Puzzle, Government Word Game, We the students Writing Prompt
- President's Activities
- Acrostic Poem Form, President Biography Form, Washington & Lincoln Forms, If I Were President Writing Prompt
- Election Activities
- Vote Bookmarks, Compare the Candidates, Crossword Puzzle, Ballot Form, Current Events, Voting Booth Project, Presidential Qualities Writing Prompt, others.
- Writing Prompt
- I am proud to be a United States citizen because... writing prompt from ABC Teach.
- History Worksheets from TLS Books
- Constitutional Crossword Puzzle, Bill of Rights Word Search, President Word Searches, Independence Day Writing, Liberty Bell, Flag Facts, Declaration of Independence Vocabulary, Presidents Coloring Book
- Paper Dolls
- Revolutionary Dolls
Hands of a Child Lapbooks
I love project packs from Hands of a Child! I have used several of them. These ladies have a wonderful Constitution Book also which I could not find on Amazon, but you could find it on their site.
Constitution Webquests
Webquests can be such a fun way to learn about a topic and strengthen valuable internet research skills as well. Enjoy your quest!
- The Constitution
- "You are a citizen in the brand new United States of America after the Revolutionary War. Now you have become frustrated by the inefficient new government in the United States. You have been invited to attend a constitutional convention in Philadelphia. Your concerns depend upon your age, wealth, occupation, geographical location, and past experiences with government."
- We Were There
- "You find yourself in late 18th century United States. Everything is just like you learned in Social Studies class, except many of the technologies of today exist. You will assume one of the following roles: 1. You are one of the 55 delegates selected to represent your state at the Constitutional Convention. 2. You are a reporter assigned to cover the Constitutional Convention. 3. You are a public relations person hired by the delegates who wish to convince other delegates to approve the new constitution or to convince the population of the states to encourage their delegates to support adoption for ratification."
- US Constitution
- "Assume the persona of a someone in your assigned branch. Research information about the U.S. Constitution Article that deals with your branch. Create a visual to represent your branch."
- Shh! We're Writing the Constitution
- "After reading and discussing Shh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz, you will compose a constitution. You will participate in a constitutional convention when you ratify your constitution."
- A New Nation
- Internet Scavenger Hunt
- Roadmap to the Constitution
- "Everything that you've ever wanted to know about the U.S. Constitution is only a click away! This site is dedicated to providing students of all kinds with knowledge of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights."
- Bill of Rights
- "In our study of the Bill of Rights, we are going to create a television news program about controversial issues today that relate to the Bill of Rights ... choose an issue they feel strongly about and write a letter stating their views to one of his or her government representatives."
More stuff!!
Excellent Resources!
Find these awesome Declaration on Independence notebook pages from Notebooking NookAmerican Revolution Time-Line Game
Review & Evaluation
Here are some ideas for checking your students comprehension!
Walk Through the Constitution - Board game that my children made for review.
Preamble ~ use the "Preamble Order Game" to practice the preamble - write the preamble by memory on the notebook page - sing the "Preamble" Song by Schoolhouse Rock
Constitution Timeline Chart- match and sequence events! Fill in the blank charts with events.
Constitution Vocabulary - play a matching game.
Amendment Challenge - name as many of the amendments in the Bill of Rights and others that you can in 60 seconds!
Share your lapbook with friends and relatives telling them about the things you've learned!
Review your Constitution Outline.
Notebook Pages ~ write a paragraph about main points of the Constitution; write a paragraph with suggestions for a better government ~ check below for other writing ideas.
Check the Constitution Resource Guide for extra websites, lesson plans, book list, worksheets, webquests, quizes, games, and other interesting things to add to your study and lapbook / notebook!
Write a letter to your state or national representatives thanking them for their work; or, request information pamphlets about the Constitution or state and national government.
Visit one of your local government buildings or representative offices.
Write a play about the making of the Constitution; act it out with your friends or family.
Compose a song about the Bill of Rights or any aspect of the Constitution.
Play some of the online games listed here!
- Writing Prompts
- Many fun writing ideas from Holiday Zone!
- The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia
- If you can visit the center, I would highly recommend it! We have been there several times and continue to learn new things each time. The Online Resources include: an Interactive Constitution and Timeline, games, videos, and lesson plans.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- These materials are for the USCIS, but are also wonderful tools for learning civics for anyone! Contains flash cards, study guides in many languages, test, reading and writing vocabulary activities, and the Citizen's Almanac.
- Civics Flash Cards
- (USCIS) The cards are nicely done! There are almost 100 cards to print out about government. We used these to study, review, and play with our board game.
- Civics Flash Cards & Test Study Guide
- This gives answers to the flash cards in more detail.
- Civics Test
- (USCIS) - Matches with above flash cards.
- Constitution Review
- Constitution Activities, Glossary, Links, and Quizes
- Constitution Quizes
- Hard but good! Choose your level, topic, and number of questions.
- Constitution Tests
- Online & Printable Tests
- Constitution
- Online Quiz
More on the Constitution & Civics
Philadelphia Pages
History Unit Studies
Thank you for your "angel blessings"!
Special thank to these awesome "Squid Angels" for giving this page a "blessing"! You may find some of their phenomenal education pages at my "Gratitude for Angel Blessings" page or by clicking on their avatars below!
Did you learn something or have fun?
I hope this page was helpful to you and your students. If you enjoyed reading this lens, please share it with your friends or rate the page. If you are not a member of Squidoo and would like to be, you may join for free by clicking here!
You may write you own pages and even earn a few royalties if you want for yourself or your favorite charity! =D Thanks for visiting!
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
Did you enjoy learning something new? :)
-
Reply
-
nyclittleitaly
Jan 25, 2012 @ 12:20 am | delete
- great lens
-
-
Reply
-
peacefullyhappy
Jan 21, 2012 @ 12:26 am | delete
- Wow! This is really fabulous! Thank you so much for putting all of that information in one place!
-
-
Reply
-
mihgasper
Dec 29, 2011 @ 7:00 am | delete
- Amazing resource, thank you!
-
-
Reply
-
Dec 8, 2011 @ 8:42 am | delete
- Great lens! My sister is a history fan - she would love this! :)
-
-
Reply
-
iijuan12
Dec 5, 2011 @ 10:32 am | delete
- Another fabulous lens! You are so generous to share such excellent work!
-
- Load More
JoyfulPamela on Squidoo (on Facebook!)
Facebook Fan box widget may not always appear in the Workshop. Please preview or publish your lens to see the widget.
by JoyfulPamela
- 155 featured lenses
- Winner of 23 trophies!
- Top lens » Bible Verses for Valentines' Day
- This lens »
Won purple star
Explore related pages
- USA Civil War Unit Study USA Civil War Unit Study
- History Lesson Resources History Lesson Resources
- Patriotic Music Lesson Patriotic Music Lesson
- Valentine's Day Lesson Plans Valentine's Day Lesson Plans
- Ancient Civilizations Lesson Ideas Ancient Civilizations Lesson Ideas
- Christmas in Philadelphia Christmas in Philadelphia
Declaration Of Independence, Constitution Of The United States Of America, Bill Of Rights And Constitutional Amendments
Amazon Price: $4.74 (as of 02/14/2012)
The Constitution 1987 Hallmark Ornament QX3777
Amazon Price: $5.29 (as of 02/14/2012)
Free Copy of the Constitution
The United States Constitution
Amazon Price: (as of 02/14/2012)
